Himalayan Escapes: Shimla to Spiti Valley Road Trip

Himalayan Escapes: Shimla to Spiti Valley Road Trip

A Day-by-Day Itinerary into North India’s Majestic Mountains

Craving snow-capped peaks, winding mountain roads, and otherworldly landscapes? The Shimla to Spiti Valley road trip is one of North India’s most breathtaking journeys. Starting in the colonial charm of Shimla and winding through rugged Himalayan terrains to the high-altitude deserts of Spiti, this trip is not just travel—it’s an adventure for the soul.

Here’s a day-by-day itinerary for your unforgettable escape into the mountains.

Day 1: Arrival in Shimla – The Queen of Hills

Altitude: 2,276 m
Highlights: Mall Road, Ridge, Christ Church, Jakhoo Temple

Arrive in Shimla by road or toy train. The air is crisp, and the town oozes old-world charm. Take a walk along Mall Road, visit Christ Church, and enjoy the view from Jakhoo Temple.

• Overnight: Shimla

• Tip: Try local Himachali food at a café on Mall Road—siddu and madra are musts.
  

Day 2: Shimla to Sarahan (170 km / 6–7 hrs)

Altitude: 2,313 m
Highlights: Bhimakali Temple, Apple Orchards, Sutlej Valley

Hit the road toward Sarahan, a quiet Himalayan village with views that’ll stop you in your tracks. Visit the ancient Bhimakali Temple, one of the most beautiful wooden temples in Himachal.

• Overnight: Sarahan

• Tip: Start early to reach before sunset—roads are scenic but narrow in places.
  

Day 3: Sarahan to Sangla – Baspa Valley Beauty (90 km / 5 hrs)

Altitude: 2,620 m
Highlights: Kamru Fort, Chitkul (last village on Indo-Tibet border)

Drive into the lush Baspa Valley, where rivers cut through pine forests. The village of Chitkul, just beyond Sangla, is the last inhabited village near the Indo-Tibetan border.

• Overnight: Sangla

• Tip: Carry cash—ATMs are limited and unreliable.
  

Day 4: Sangla to Kalpa (40 km / 2 hrs)

Altitude: 2,960 m
Highlights: Kinnaur Kailash Range, Suicide Point View, Apple Orchards

Short drive to Kalpa, a serene hamlet with jaw-dropping views of the Kinnaur Kailash peaks. Watch the sunset paint the mountains golden and pink.

• Overnight: Kalpa

• Tip: Don’t miss the starry skies at night—perfect for stargazing.
  

Day 5: Kalpa to Nako (110 km / 4–5 hrs)

Altitude: 3,662 m
Highlights: Nako Lake, Monastery, Tibetan-style villages

As you gain altitude, the green forests give way to barren, rugged beauty. Nako, a picturesque village with a tranquil lake and ancient monasteries, marks your entry into the Spiti Valley region.

• Overnight: Nako

• Tip: Acclimatization starts getting real—take it easy, stay hydrated.
  

Day 6: Nako to Tabo (60 km / 2 hrs)

Altitude: 3,280 m
Highlights: Tabo Monastery (996 AD), Caves, Ancient Murals

Drive through moonscapes to reach Tabo, home to one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in the Himalayas. The Tabo Monastery is over 1,000 years old and a UNESCO heritage site candidate.

• Overnight: Tabo

• Tip: Explore the meditation caves just behind the monastery.
  

Day 7: Tabo to Kaza via Dhankar (50 km / 3 hrs)

Altitude: 3,800 m
Highlights: Dhankar Monastery (perched on a cliff), Spiti River Views

Before reaching Kaza, detour to Dhankar, an ancient monastery dramatically clinging to a cliff. Kaza, the largest town in Spiti, becomes your base for the next few days.

• Overnight: Kaza

• Tip: Fuel up—Kaza has one of the only petrol pumps in Spiti.
  

Day 8: Around Kaza – Langza, Hikkim, and Komic

Altitude: 4,400 m+
Highlights: World’s highest post office (Hikkim), Buddha Statue at Langza, Komic – highest motorable village

Visit high-altitude villages that look straight out of a sci-fi movie. Drop a postcard from Hikkim, pose with the giant Buddha in Langza, and sip chai in Komic—the world’s highest village with a road.

• Overnight: Kaza

• Tip: Oxygen is thin—avoid overexertion.
  

Day 9: Kaza to Chandratal via Kunzum Pass (100 km / 6 hrs)

Altitude: 4,300 m+
Highlights: Kunzum La, Chandratal Lake

The drive to Chandratal (Moon Lake) is rugged and spectacular. After crossing Kunzum Pass, trek or drive the last few kilometers to this pristine glacial lake—one of the most beautiful sights in all of India.

• Overnight: Camps near Chandratal (open May–September)

• Tip: Nights are freezing—even in summer. Pack accordingly.
  

Day 10: Chandratal to Manali via Rohtang (120 km / 7–8 hrs)

Altitude: Descending to ~2,050 m
Highlights: Batal, Atal Tunnel (or Rohtang), River Crossings

This is the roughest but most exciting leg of the journey. Cross wild rivers and rocks, then descend into the lush green of Lahaul. Go through the Atal Tunnel or Rohtang Pass (seasonal) and reach Manali.

• Overnight: Manali

• Tip: Reward yourself with hot food and a massage. You’ve earned it.
  

Day 11: Chill in Manali or Head Back

Manali is your decompression zone. Shop in Old Manali, relax at a café, or stroll along the Beas River. You can either stay an extra day or start your journey home.

Quick Tips for the Road Trip

• Best time: Mid-May to September (avoid monsoon and early winters)

• Vehicle: 4x4 or high-ground-clearance SUV recommended

• Permits: Check for Inner Line Permits for Spiti (especially if coming via Kinnaur)

• Essentials: Power bank, torch, first-aid, sunscreen, reusable water bottle, warm clothing

• Connectivity: Very limited mobile network beyond Kalpa. BSNL and Jio work best in Spiti.

  
  

Final Thoughts

This is not just a road trip—it’s a journey into a hidden world of harsh beauty and deep peace. The people are warm, the air is pure, and the silence of Spiti echoes louder than any city’s chaos.

If you’re looking for something truly transformational, the Shimla to Spiti road trip is your call to the wild.